The iconic Super Mario franchise had a remarkable year in 2023 with a slew of game releases and the highly-anticipated Super Mario Bros. Movie hitting the big screens. As 2024 approaches, fans are brimming with anticipation, wondering if it can surpass the previous year's success. The upcoming year already holds promise with confirmed titles, and the potential launch of the successor to the Nintendo Switch could elevate the franchise to new heights.
Anxiously anticipated by fans, Nintendo's rumored successor to the Switch, possibly named Switch 2, is expected to debut in 2024. If this materializes, a significant Mario title could accompany the new console, leveraging the franchise's immense popularity to drive the system's sales and propel the series forward.
Exciting Confirmed Titles for 2024
Despite the impending transition for the Nintendo Switch, several Mario titles have been confirmed for release in 2024. While some are remakes or remasters, they hold special places in fans' hearts and are eagerly awaited. Release dates for these titles are yet to be finalized, with fans anticipating further details in a 2024 Nintendo Direct.
Mario vs. Donkey Kong
The Switch remake of the original Game Boy Advance Mario vs. Donkey Kong, revealed in the September 2023 Nintendo Direct, marks the return of the beloved title, offering players a delightful puzzle-platforming experience as they guide mini-Marios to victory while facing off against Donkey Kong.
Princess Peach: Showtime!
A standout among the confirmed 2024 releases is Princess Peach: Showtime!, marking Princess Peach's first solo game since Super Princess Peach on the Nintendo DS. The game promises an engaging experience as players join Peach in battling the Sour Bunch inside Sparkle Theater, with the ability to transform her into various forms, including Swordfighter Peach and Detective Peach.
Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD
The HD remaster of the 3DS title Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon, titled Luigi's Mansion 2 HD for its global release, brings a visually enhanced version of the game to the Switch, aligning with the graphical style of Luigi's Mansion 3 and promising a nostalgic yet revitalized experience.
Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door
One of the most highly-anticipated releases of 2024 is the remaster of the beloved GameCube title Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door. This announcement has stirred excitement among fans, hinting at a potential return to the series' acclaimed roots, offering a glimpse of what's to come.
Anticipating a New 3D Mario Game
Possibility of a New 3D Mario Game
A significant point of interest for 2024 is the prospect of a new 3D Mario game coinciding with the launch of the rumored Switch successor. With the last original 3D Mario game, Super Mario Odyssey, released in 2017, fans are eagerly awaiting a new installment. Whether it's a sequel to Super Mario Odyssey or an entirely fresh direction for the series, speculations suggest that a new 3D Mario game could serve as a flagship title for the anticipated Switch 2 in 2024.
Speculations and Possibilities
While much remains unconfirmed, there are speculations about additional Mario content in 2024, including potential DLC for Super Mario Bros. Wonder. Furthermore, although hopes are high, the likelihood of an announcement for Mario Kart 9 seems slim for 2024. As for a sequel to the Super Mario Bros. Movie, it appears unlikely, with actor Jack Black expressing no knowledge of such plans for 2024.